RALEIGH — On Monday, March 24, the N.C. Department of Transportation will close a section of N.C. 102 to replace the bridge over Fork Swamp Creek near Ayden. The work is scheduled to be complete Oct. 20, weather permitting.

NCDOT is making strategic investments to repair and replace substandard bridges to provide better access across the state to fuel economic growth.

N.C. 102 will be closed to through traffic from Emma Cannon Road to County Home Road. During construction, motorists should follow the posted detour of Emma Cannon Road and Ayden Golf Club Road to avoid the closure.

Built in 1937, the existing bridge is reaching the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced to meet current and future traffic demands. The new bridge will accommodate all traffic, including trucks and emergency vehicles, as it will not be subject to the load restrictions of the current bridge.

This project is part of the department’s overall bridge program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges.

NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Updated travel information is also available by calling 511 or online at www.ncdot.gov/travel. In addition, NCDOT offers travel information on Twitter.